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ITF, union intervention secures Pakistan docks concession
28 November 2006
Lobbying by the ITF and its Pakistani dockers’ union affiliates has persuaded the government of Pakistan to rethink its plans to privatise the port of Karachi.
Alerted by local unions to plans to close the Karachi Dock Labour Board, which regulates employment in the port, the ITF contacted the government and port management to express its concerns that privatisation could endanger the jobs of nearly 4,000 people, and to push for union involvement in a joint negotiation committee.
Backed by a rally of dock workers the ITF communications have now been answered by a management offer to set up just such a joint forum and listen to workers’ concerns.
“This is a good, positive first step,” commented Frank Leys, ITF Dockers’s Section Secretary, “but we won’t be sitting back and relaxing just yet. We expect to see the management’s willingness to negotiate continue, and be matched by a similar commitment from the government.”
He concluded: “We congratulate the Pakistani unions on getting this far, and will continue to back them as they strive to safeguard jobs in a time of change.”
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